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Missouri LegislatureCovering state lawmakers, bills, and policy emerging from Jefferson City. enThu, 08 Dec 2016 20:43:05 +0000NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94sharveysharveycpadmin@publicbroadcasting.netCovering state lawmakers, bills, and policy emerging from Jefferson City. noCovering state lawmakers, bills, and policy emerging from Jefferson City. noKSMU Radiocpadmin@publicbroadcasting.nethttp://ksmu.org/post/candidates-share-views-race-136th-house-district-contested-first-time-years
Citizens of Missouri’s 136th House District decide this month whether to vote Republican Kevin Austin to a third term or elect Democrat Jeff Munzinger to the seat. It’s been eight years since a Democrat has actually run for the position. “I know a lot ofCandidates Share Views in Race for 136th House District, Contested For First Time in Years Citizens of Missouri’s 136th House District decide this month whether to vote Republican Kevin Austin to a third term or elect Democrat Jeff Munzinger to the seat. It’s been eight years since a Democrat has actually run for the position. “I know a lot of people were willing to say ‘you just can’t win there’, but obviously we hope to prove those people wrong,” Munzinger said. In fact, this is the first time that Austin, a Republican who has held the seat since 2012, has an opponent in the general election. He was last challenged in the August 2012 primary, when he first ran for representative. District 136 encompasses the southeast portion of Springfield and Greene County. The Highway 60 and 65 interchange acts as the district’s center, spanning north to Battlefield Mall and west to Campbell Avenue. Background Jeff Munzinger is a father of two children and has been married for 43 years. He says he plans to step away from his 25 year old sales agency Munzinger & Company Inc. at thedanisha13@live.missouristate.edu (dhogue)48533 as http://ksmu.orgThu, 03 Nov 2016 21:25:00 +0000Danisha Hogue836http://ksmu.org/post/house-district-131-candidates-share-views-variety-topics
Republican Sonya Murray Anderson has served in the Missouri House for four years, representing District 131. On November 8, she'll share the ballot with Democrat Nate Branscom and Libertarian Arthur Hodge. The district covers part of northern SpringfieldHouse District 131 Candidates Share Views on a Variety of TopicsRepublican Sonya Murray Anderson has served in the Missouri House for four years, representing District 131. On November 8, she'll share the ballot with Democrat Nate Branscom and Libertarian Arthur Hodge. The district covers part of northern Springfield and a largely rural area to the north. The Candidates Republican Sonya Murray Anderson, who was elected to her first two-year term in 2012, is a native of Northern Greene County. According to Anderson, her family has lived in northern Greene County since the 1800's. She's married with two grown sons and has been married to her "high school sweetheart" for nearly 27 years. Anderson said she grew up in the agricultural and business world. Her family owned a sanitation company, and she worked her way up through the business, overseeing seven offices in southwest Missouri in accounts payable, "so I understand how a business works," she said. Democrat Nate Branscom describes himself as an artist and a musician. He was born and raised inMicheleSkalicky@missouristate.edu (Michele Skalicky)48423 as http://ksmu.orgTue, 01 Nov 2016 21:30:00 +0000Michele Skalicky475http://ksmu.org/post/priorities-house-district-134-candidates-include-addressing-education-ethics
Three candidates are vying for representation of the state's 134th House District this general election. That includes incumbent Rep. Elijah Haahr, who is seeking his third term in the Missouri House. He’s challenged by Democratic candidate Angela PryorPriorities For House District 134 Candidates Include Addressing Education, EthicsThree candidates are vying for representation of the state's 134th House District this general election. That includes incumbent Rep. Elijah Haahr, who is seeking his third term in the Missouri House. He’s challenged by Democratic candidate Angela Pryor and Daniel Romine, a Libertarian. The 134th District encompasses parts of south central and southwest Springfield, spanning north to south from Phelps Grove Park to the James River and bordering Golden Avenue to the east and Campbell Ave to the west. Both Pryor and Romine sat down with KSMU to share their views ahead of the Nov. 8 election. Hear their interviews below. Rep. Haahr did not respond to multiple requests for an interview. Background: According to his campaign website, Rep. Haahr is an attorney with Aaron Sachs and Associates, with a focus on workers’ compensation and civil litigation. He was raised in southwest Missouri. After graduating from MU Law School in 2008 and passing the Missouri Bar Exam, he returned to Springfieldscott@ksmu.org (Scott Harvey)48322 as http://ksmu.orgSun, 30 Oct 2016 16:05:00 +0000Scott Harvey645http://ksmu.org/post/mo-house-district-135-candidates-discuss-education-healthcare-environment-and-more
Voters in the Missouri House of Representatives District 135 will choose a new person to represent them when they go to the polls on November 8. Lincoln Hough, who served in that position since 2010, left to run for the office of Greene County CommissionMO House District 135 Candidates Discuss Education, Healthcare, the Environment and MoreVoters in the Missouri House of Representatives District 135 will choose a new person to represent them when they go to the polls on November 8. Lincoln Hough, who served in that position since 2010, left to run for the office of Greene County Commission in the 2nd District, which is currently held by Roseanne Bentley. The 135th House District encompasses a large portion of eastern Springfield. Each of the candidates for the office has varied reasons why he thinks he would make the best choice for voters. Republican Steve Helms said what sets him apart from his opponents, Democrat Randy Alberhasky and Libertarian David Carr, is not only his experience in local government (he served six years as the Greene County Circuit Clerk) but also his "track record of doing what I said I was going to do." He believes his views on economics will propel Missouri to the future. Alberhasky said the fact that he's not a career politician makes him a good choice for voters along with his passion for theMicheleSkalicky@missouristate.edu (Michele Skalicky)48233 as http://ksmu.orgThu, 27 Oct 2016 19:36:00 +0000Michele Skalicky411http://ksmu.org/post/district-133-candidates-talk-economic-growth-education-plans-area
In Southwest Springfield, voters will decide whether the 133rd District Seat in the Missouri House of Representatives will remain Republican, or change over to Democratic in a GOP stronghold. Curtis Trent is the Republican nominee vying for this seat. ItDistrict 133 Candidates Talk Economic Growth, Education Plans for AreaIn Southwest Springfield, voters will decide whether the 133rd District Seat in the Missouri House of Representatives will remain Republican, or change over to Democratic in a GOP stronghold. Curtis Trent is the Republican nominee vying for this seat. It is currently held by Republican Eric Burlison, who is barred by term limits from seeking re-election. Trent says, “I’m very passionate about our institutions and our traditional liberties and rights, and I just want to protect those kinds of principles and pass our state on to the next generation in a much stronger, better position than I found it in.” Trent’s Democratic challenger, Jim Clemmons, says his leadership experience in volunteer roles such as with the AARP will enable him to serve the people. “When the Democratic Party came to me and said you’re the kind of candidate we’d like to see run for this seat…I chose to get involved, so that’s why I’m doing it, and I’m doing it at my age to serve the people and help humanity goingKidwell273@live.missouristate.edu (ckidwell)48227 as http://ksmu.orgWed, 26 Oct 2016 21:13:00 +0000Claire Kidwell880http://ksmu.org/post/district-130-candidates-balancing-citizens-urban-and-rural-concerns
Over the past four years, Missouri House District 130 has been represented by Jeff Messenger, a Republican and an entrepreneur who lives in Republic. This November, his reelection campaign is against Democrat Ella Jane Goeppinger from Willard. DistrictDistrict 130 Candidates on Balancing Citizens’ Urban and Rural ConcernsOver the past four years, Missouri House District 130 has been represented by Jeff Messenger, a Republican and an entrepreneur who lives in Republic. This November, his reelection campaign is against Democrat Ella Jane Goeppinger from Willard. District 130 makes up most of the western half of Greene County including the communities of Ash Grove, Republic, Walnut Grove and Willard. Whoever represents this district has the task of balancing city life and metropolitan businesses with urban life and agriculture. Background Messenger is a former farmer and current business owner, presently working in the prosthetics and orthotics business. He believes he knows what it takes to balance the district and make both aspects thrive. Messenger says the district is an accurate representation of the state of Missouri and believes that whatever helps the state will in turn help the district. He has lived in the Springfield area for over 50 years. Messenger and his wife have two sons. Goeppinger, whobartanders42@yahoo.com (banders)48183 as http://ksmu.orgTue, 25 Oct 2016 17:09:04 +0000Bart Anders394http://ksmu.org/post/district-132-candidates-voice-goals-central-springfield
Voters in central Springfield will determine whether a Missouri House seat stays Democratic or changes hands in the largely GOP-represented region. Crystal Quade is attempting to keep Democratic the post currently held by term-limited Charlie Norr inDistrict 132 Candidates Voice Goals for Central SpringfieldVoters in central Springfield will determine whether a Missouri House seat stays Democratic or changes hands in the largely GOP-represented region. Crystal Quade is attempting to keep Democratic the post currently held by term-limited Charlie Norr in Missouri’s 132nd district. It is the only seat within the seventh congressional district not presently held by a Republican. “I think across the board it’s more important to have a more balanced legislature,” said Quade. “Even if it was predominantly Democrats, I would say that we need more Republicans in office. I think to make serious change we need to have everyone seated at the table. And that comes from economic backgrounds, professions, but also political ideals as well.” Quade’s Republican challenger, Thomas Quinn, feels his party can better serve the citizens of the 132nd District. “As the situation lays, no matter what we do there’s going to be a supermajority of Republicans in the House. And if you want a seat at the table youscott@ksmu.org (Scott Harvey)47903 as http://ksmu.orgTue, 18 Oct 2016 19:41:51 +0000Scott Harvey823http://ksmu.org/post/msu-what-2016-legislative-session-did-and-did-not-do
Late August is when many of the bills passed this session by the Missouri Legislature and signed into law by the governor go into effect. That could mean changes for state businesses and organizations. For Missouri State University, more than half aFor MSU, What The 2016 Legislative Session Did, and Did Not Do Late August is when many of the bills passed this session by the Missouri Legislature and signed into law by the governor go into effect. That could mean changes for state businesses and organizations. For Missouri State University, more than half a dozen bills will require action on the school’s part to be in compliance with new law. “There were probably several dozen bills that would impact higher education in one way or another that were filed, many of which got hearings and frankly many of which would not have advanced the cause of higher education, I think,” university president Clif Smart, states. But of the bills impacting higher education this session that were passed, many were supported by MSU, says Smart. One of those is SB 921 which modifies several provisions of law relating to crime victims. For one, a school is now required enter into memorandums of understanding (MOU) with local law enforcement on procedures involving cases of sexual assault of a student on campus. Atscott@ksmu.org (Scott Harvey)43980 as http://ksmu.orgFri, 15 Jul 2016 12:45:00 +0000Scott Harvey442http://ksmu.org/post/huckabee-jay-ashcroft-will-bring-public-service-back-where-it-ought-be
Former Arkansas Governor and recent presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee is now working to persuade voters in Missouri by endorsing Republican Secretary of State candidate Jay Ashcroft. Speaking Thursday at the Ashcroft family farm near Willard, HuckabeeHuckabee: Jay Ashcroft Will Bring Public Service Back to Where it Ought to beFormer Arkansas Governor and recent presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee is now working to persuade voters in Missouri by endorsing Republican Secretary of State candidate Jay Ashcroft. Speaking Thursday at the Ashcroft family farm near Willard, Huckabee said candidate Ashcroft embodies the public service spirit exhibited by his father, former Missouri Governor and U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft. “I really believe that this is one of those cases where the fruit didn’t fall far from the tree. And Jay is representing not just the Ashcroft family but the integrity and the honor of bringing public service back to where it ought to be,” said Huckabee. Huckabee called Ashcroft the only true conservative in the Secretary of State’s race, and one that can best execute the responsibilities of the office. “The job of Secretary of State may not be one that people talk about every day at the breakfast table,” he said. “But what that job entails and what a person as Secretary of State does – inscott@ksmu.org (Scott Harvey)42470 as http://ksmu.orgFri, 10 Jun 2016 02:33:26 +0000Scott Harvey63http://ksmu.org/post/getting-know-sen-will-kraus-candidate-mo-secretary-state
State Sen. Will Kraus believes voters are “overwhelmingly” in support of requiring Missourians to show a photo ID at the polls. The issue will be decided on November 8, a ballot Kraus hopes to also be on as his party’s candidate for Missouri Secretary ofGetting to Know Sen. Will Kraus, Candidate for MO Secretary of StateState Sen. Will Kraus believes voters are “overwhelmingly” in support of requiring Missourians to show a photo ID at the polls. The issue will be decided on November 8, a ballot Kraus hopes to also be on as his party’s candidate for Missouri Secretary of State. He’s among three Republicans running in the August 2 primary. The senator from Lee’s Summit has made photo ID a major focus, handling the Senate version of this year’s bill. “You have to have an ID to buy tobacco, to buy alcohol, to buy cigarettes, to cash a check, to open a bank account. How do you live in today’s society without a photo ID?” The Missouri Supreme Court tossed out a similar photo ID bill in 2006. Another bill was passed in 2011, but vetoed by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon. The governor cannot strike down the constitutional amendment – only decide which ballot it’s placed on – but he can veto the implementation bill. Kraus believes there are enough votes to override such a veto in September, and then should votersscott@ksmu.org (Scott Harvey)42445 as http://ksmu.orgThu, 09 Jun 2016 20:05:40 +0000Scott Harvey600http://ksmu.org/post/anniversary-deadly-storm-joplin-high-school-honors-its-graduates
In this segment of KSMU's Sense of Community Series, Michele Skalicky highlights a celebration taking place five years after the deadly storm. Sunday was a day of celebration for some in Joplin, a community devastated five years ago when an EF-5 tornadoOn Anniversary of Deadly Storm, Joplin High School Honors its GraduatesIn this segment of KSMU's Sense of Community Series, Michele Skalicky highlights a celebration taking place five years after the deadly storm. Sunday was a day of celebration for some in Joplin, a community devastated five years ago when an EF-5 tornado swept through the middle of the city. While it was the anniversary of the deadly storm, it was also graduation day for Joplin High School. “Pomp and circumstance” Dr. Kerry Sachetta, Joplin High School principal: "My name is Kerry Sachetta, and as principal of Joplin High School, I would like to welcome you here today on behalf of the faculty and staff of our school. This marks Joplin's 130th high school graduation ceremony." Eighteen-year-old Emily Huddleston was among about 435 students who crossed the stage at Missouri Southern State University’s Leggett & Platt Athletic Center to receive her diploma. Announcer: “Emily Huddleston” (cheers) She and her classmates had an unusual high school experience. They spent their first twoMicheleSkalicky@missouristate.edu (Michele Skalicky)41745 as http://ksmu.orgMon, 23 May 2016 12:30:00 +0000Michele Skalicky343http://ksmu.org/post/political-gridlock-leaves-missouri-without-basic-tool-fighting-drug-abuse
At Richard Logan’s pharmacy in Charleston, Missouri, prescription opioid painkillers are locked away in a cabinet. Missouri law requires pharmacies to keep schedule II controlled substances—drugs like oxycodone and fentanyl with a high addiction potentialPolitical Gridlock Leaves Missouri Without A Basic Tool For Fighting Drug Abuse At Richard Logan’s pharmacy in Charleston, Missouri, prescription opioid painkillers are locked away in a cabinet. Missouri law requires pharmacies to keep schedule II controlled substances—drugs like oxycodone and fentanyl with a high addiction potential—locked up at all times. Logan doesn’t stop at what the law requires. A pharmacist for 40 years, he has also been in law enforcement for more than 20, working as a reserve deputy with two local sheriff’s departments investigating prescription drug abuse. And he applies that mentality to his day job. After his technicians count out a prescription for controlled narcotics by hand, Logan has them place the pills on a machine that resembles an overhead projector lit from the top instead of the bottom. “There’s a camera up there,” Logan says, “It actually photographs each pill that we dispense.” When he has probable cause that a customer is trying to get opioids with a forged or fraudulent prescription, Logan will arrest them on the spot.ScottHarvey@MissouriState.edu (sharvey)40083 as http://ksmu.orgThu, 14 Apr 2016 12:45:00 +0000Bram Sable-Smith230http://ksmu.org/post/msu-monitoring-campus-gun-bills-increased-appropriations-2016-session
Missouri State University President Clif Smart says he’s concerned over legislation to lift the current ban on the carrying of concealed firearms at the state’s colleges and universities. Speaking to KSMU during its monthly program Engaging the Community,MSU Monitoring Campus Gun Bills, Increased Appropriations in 2016 SessionMissouri State University President Clif Smart says he’s concerned over legislation to lift the current ban on the carrying of concealed firearms at the state’s colleges and universities. Speaking to KSMU during its monthly program Engaging the Community, Smart says the bills that were pre-filed ahead of the legislation session could pose more harm than good. “We just think the danger of accidental shootings and suicides and shootings in anger way overcome the possibility that a student having a gun on campus might be able to thwart a terrorist attack,” he said. The minimum age a person in Missouri can apply for a conceal carry permit is 19. Smart says that under the bills filed, any student 19 or older with a permit could bring a gun on campus, keep in his or her residence hall, take to class and or social events. He does note there may be opportunities for compromise. “There may be opportunities that it makes sense to allow employees on certain circumstances that have conceal andscott@ksmu.org (Scott Harvey)35806 as http://ksmu.orgFri, 15 Jan 2016 13:45:00 +0000Scott Harvey527http://ksmu.org/post/lawmakers-discuss-raising-gasoline-tax
Some state lawmakers want to raise the state's gas tax to fund necessary repairs to the state's roads and bridges, but don't agree on specifics. Nicole Shaddy reports from Jefferson City. A St. Louis County representative sponsored a bill to raise theLawmakers Discuss Raising Gasoline Tax Some state lawmakers want to raise the state's gas tax to fund necessary repairs to the state's roads and bridges, but don't agree on specifics. Nicole Shaddy reports from Jefferson City. A St. Louis County representative sponsored a bill to raise the state's tax from 17 to 24 cents per gallon by putting the issue on the ballot for November's election. But St. Louis County Representative Keith English said he wants raise the tax by two cents during the upcoming session, because it has a better chance of passing in the state legislature. "This idea that I came up with, you know, is a temporary fix and it shows the people that, hey, we are going to make sure this two cents only goes towards bridges and roads," he said. A proposed 1.5 cent increase did not make it out of the Senate Budget committee last session.Missouri has one of the lowest gas taxes in the country. MicheleSkalicky@MissouriState.edu (mskalicky)34690 as http://ksmu.orgWed, 09 Dec 2015 13:34:47 +0000Nicole Shaddy36http://ksmu.org/post/reviewing-recent-msu-tuition-figures-benefits-holding-costs-flat
A freeze in undergraduate tuition at Missouri State University for the 2016-2017 year would equal the fourth time in the past eight years that tuition at the school will remain flat. That’s according to President Clif Smart, who adds that since higherReviewing Recent MSU Tuition Figures, The Benefits of Holding Costs Flat A freeze in undergraduate tuition at Missouri State University for the 2016-2017 year would equal the fourth time in the past eight years that tuition at the school will remain flat. That’s according to President Clif Smart, who adds that since higher education funding began to drop in 2009 inflation is near 12 percent. And as a result of holding tuition flat for several years, Missouri State has increased tuition by less than the cost of inflation. “Now that’s not true most places. On average in that same time frame tuition’s g one up 28 percent nationally,” which Smart adds is 2.5 times inflation. The possibility of a tuition freeze next fall stems from an agreement reached In September between Gov. Jay Nixon and Missouri’s 2- and 4-year schools. Smart, who is also president of the Council on Public Higher Education on Missouri, says the agreement is an effort to restore funding that had been cut from higher education since the recession. “We put together a proposal that if therescott@ksmu.org (Scott Harvey)32269 as http://ksmu.orgFri, 16 Oct 2015 13:55:53 +0000Scott Harvey420http://ksmu.org/post/ag-candidate-jake-zimmerman-fixing-bad-governance-running-fair-system
Jake Zimmerman says one of his main priorities if elected Missouri’s next attorney general is to fix the “mess” in Jefferson City. The Democratic candidate and current St. Louis County Assessor says politics in the state capitol are broken due to theAG Candidate Jake Zimmerman on Fixing Bad Governance, Running a Fair SystemJake Zimmerman says one of his main priorities if elected Missouri’s next attorney general is to fix the “mess” in Jefferson City. The Democratic candidate and current St. Louis County Assessor says politics in the state capitol are broken due to the combination of unlimited campaign contributions and gifts from lobbyists and no revolving door ban that would delay how quickly a former legislator can become a lobbyist. “That’s wrong. We are the only state in the union that has a combination of all three of those bad governance ideas. And it needs to be fixed,” he said. Zimmerman, who spoke with KSMU during a recent stop in Springfield, served as an assistant attorney general before elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2006. He won the assessor post in 2011. He says reigning in campaign contributions, lobbyist gifts and establishing a cooling-off period for former lawmakers is necessary for anyone “wanting to affect public policy in this state.” The Missouri legislaturescott@ksmu.org (Scott Harvey)28031 as http://ksmu.orgWed, 15 Jul 2015 21:42:00 +0000Scott Harvey563http://ksmu.org/post/bill-moving-through-mo-legislature-addresses-bullying-schools
The House passed a bill that would expand the definition of bullying within public schools. Hannah Knight reports from Jefferson City. The bill would require Missouri school's anti bullying policy to be printed in the student handbook and also provideBill Moving Through MO Legislature Addresses Bullying in SchoolsThe House passed a bill that would expand the definition of bullying within public schools. Hannah Knight reports from Jefferson City. The bill would require Missouri school's anti bullying policy to be printed in the student handbook and also provide educators with the option of taking a suicide prevention course. St. Louis County Democrat Bob Burns said he understands how important this bill is after sitting on a board of education for twelve years. "It starts at a very early age kindergarten, sometimes even preschool when a child is picked out girl or boy, they can be bullied through their whole career and I can see how it does drive some children to suicide," he said. The bill also defines cyberbullying and requires schools to discipline students for participating in it. The bill now heads to the Senate for final passage and then to the governor. MicheleSkalicky@MissouriState.edu (mskalicky)25118 as http://ksmu.orgTue, 12 May 2015 11:54:53 +0000Hannah Knight39http://ksmu.org/post/right-work-bill-moves-forward-mo-legislature
Right to Work legislation is heading to the Senate in the final days of session. Michael Lindquist reports from Jefferson City. A Senate committee voted to send Right to Work legislation to the Senate for a vote. The bill would prohibit employers fromRight to Work Bill Moves Forward in MO Legislature Right to Work legislation is heading to the Senate in the final days of session. Michael Lindquist reports from Jefferson City. A Senate committee voted to send Right to Work legislation to the Senate for a vote. The bill would prohibit employers from requiring its employees to join a union. The hearing consisted of a long stream of union workers testifying in opposition to the bill. A representative from the St. Louis Carpenters' District Council, Terry Nelson, opposes Right to Work legislation. “Do not put shackles on the arms of the unions by not allowing us to do what we do best and that's to have a partnership with the people we survive with," he said. A representative from Missourians Right to Work, Greg Johns, is a supporter of the bill and said this bill will help unions in Missouri. “It's proven that our union membership will build if we have a right to work law in the state of Missouri. The facts are there," he said. The committee voted five to three sending the bill to theMicheleSkalicky@MissouriState.edu (mskalicky)25113 as http://ksmu.orgTue, 12 May 2015 11:42:44 +0000Michael Lindquist39http://ksmu.org/post/mo-legislature-races-finish-week
The Missouri Legislature enters the final five days of its annual session this afternoon with a major partisan battle taking shape. Phill Brooks reports from Jefferson City. The senate's Republican leader vows that right to work legislation, to banMO Legislature Races to the Finish this Week The Missouri Legislature enters the final five days of its annual session this afternoon with a major partisan battle taking shape. Phill Brooks reports from Jefferson City. The senate's Republican leader vows that right to work legislation, to ban requiring workers to join unions, will be the first issue for the week to be taken up in the senate. And, if Democrats filibuster, Ron Richardson said their issue, to continue full federal Medicaid funding, will be stalled. "You know what? There's priorities on both sides of the aisle, and if mine don't make it, nobody else's will either," he said. Legislative staff estimate that failure to pass that Medicaid bill would cost the state more than $2 billion in a program that provides healthcare coverage for the lower income. MicheleSkalicky@MissouriState.edu (mskalicky)25059 as http://ksmu.orgMon, 11 May 2015 12:43:32 +0000Phill Brooks36http://ksmu.org/post/filibuster-explained-look-tactic-used-legislators-delay-legislation
The filibuster has been used in Missouri to delay and even kill legislation. Steven Anthony looks at its uses, hears from those who have used it, and explains how to get around a filibuster. The rules of the Missouri Senate do allow the use of theThe Filibuster Explained: A Look at the Tactic Used by Legislators to Delay Legislation The filibuster has been used in Missouri to delay and even kill legislation. Steven Anthony looks at its uses, hears from those who have used it, and explains how to get around a filibuster. The rules of the Missouri Senate do allow the use of the filibuster to delay a vote on a bill or to force compromise. One of the lawmakers who has used the filibuster quite often is St. Joseph Republican Senator Rob Schaaf. Despite being in the majority, he explains why he's used it many times. “Sometimes I might use the filibuster to drive it to a compromise or sometimes I might have a principle that I just don't want to violate and just to stop legislation," he said. Kevin Engler is the former Missouri Senate Majority Leader and current state representative. He said over his time in the legislature, the nature of the filibuster has changed. “It used to be you filibustered when you were trying to get a bill altered or changed. Now, the tendency is if you're against the bill and you're going toMicheleSkalicky@MissouriState.edu (mskalicky)24632 as http://ksmu.orgFri, 01 May 2015 13:00:20 +0000Steven Anthony210